Mental Health in Schools Act
Legislation Introduced in House of Representatives
On May 20, 2009, the Mental Health in Schools Act (HR 2531) was introduced by Representatives Grace Napolitano
(D-CA) and Tim Murphy (D-PA) to expand school-based mental health
services in elementary and secondary education
programs.
If signed into law, HR 2531
will:
- Revise, increase funding for,
and expand the scope of the Safe Schools-Health Students program to
provide access to more comprehensive school-based mental health services
and supports;
- Authorize competitive grants to local school districts to assist them
in implementing effective mental health programs for students (K-12),
administered by state licensed or certified mental health
professionals;
- Provide for comprehensive, culturally and linguistically appropriate
staff development for school and community service personnel working in
the schools to identify and support students in need of immediate mental
health care and those at risk for behavioral mental health disorders,
allowing teachers to concentrate on teaching;
- Promote positive mental health education and support for parents,
siblings, and other family members of children with mental health
disorders, as well as concerned members of the community;
- Require schools to thoroughly document measures of outcome and
demonstrate the actions they are taking to continue sustaining the
program independent of grant funds.
The bill has been referred to the House Energy and
Commerce Committee and currently has 29 co-sponsors. More information on the bill is posted on the website of Rep. Napolitano (D-CA).
Posted on June 19, 2009
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